Whistler to Host Summer Glacier Camps

May 27, 2007WHISTLER, BC - (News Release) - Whistler Blackcomb is set to open the Horstman Glacier Monday, June 4, 2007. Open from June 4 through the end of July, the Horstman Glacier offers intermediate skiing and riding for those looking to extend their season after an epic winter season.

With over 46 feet of snow over the winter, Whistler Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier is going to provide one of the best summer products on record. Whistler Blackcomb's operational staff have been hard at work over the past few weeks to get ready for opening day.

Glacier staples like Momentum Ski Camp, Camp of Champions, High North and the Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp will set up shop on the glacier and offer one to two week camps for all ages. Campers will have an unprecedented amount of features to learn and perfect their tricks on. "It's going to be an awesome summer. We have tons of snow, a public halfpipe again this year and variety of hits and rails to choose from. It's always good times," says Stu Osborne, Terrain Parks and Glacier Operations Supervisor.

Year after year athletes return to the glacier to coach and teach the latest style of riding. "My first year on the glacier was summer of 1999 and I worked as a digger for a pass. All I wanted to do was ride the glacier in the summer. Camp of Champions saw me ride and asked me to coach. I've been stoked about the glacier ever since," says David Melancon, Whistler Blackcomb pro athlete and Camp of Champions coach.

The glacier operates daily from 11:00am until 3:30pm for public skiing, riding and sight seeing. Last upload from the valley is 2:30pm. The trip up Blackcomb to the top of 7th Heaven takes about 45 minutes, rising to an elevation of 2,284m or 7,494 feet above sea level.

Access to the Horstman Glacier will be via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster to the Rendezvous followed by a short bus ride to the 7th Heaven Express Chair up to the top of Blackcomb. While on the glacier the Horstman and Showcase T-bars will provide a lift up to the top. At the top, the Horstman Hut will be open to the public, offering patio BBQs or a light snack.